Menopausal & Maintaining 1 Year Later (PICS!)

This is NOT an April Fools!

Today I am starting on my 2nd year "Riding the Maintain Train" Wooo-Wooo!!

A year ago I successfully dropped 81 pounds and reached my goal weight of 155: Here is that post:

http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/950527-58-years-old-and-81-pounds-gone-pics-too

Since that time I've maintained that loss (and a bit extra) staying in my "maintenance" range of 145-150.

My maintenance strategy has been to continue logging my food and exercise and weighing in daily to ensure I stay within my "range." Moreover, in addition to my 2x per week Cardio/Sculp class and weights, I have taken up Run/Walking and ensure I am always signed up and in-training for an upcoming race.

In the past year I have completed:
1 5K Mud Run
5 5K Walks
5 5K Runs
1 15K Run
3 Half Marathons

My last race was this past Saturday (Mar 29)--the Rock N Fly 1/2 Marathon at Pensacola Naval Air Station. I ran it in 2:25:03 and came #10 of 22 in my age division (Female 55-59)and #843 overall of 1338.

Here is a "BEFORE" at 236 pounds

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Here's some photos of me Rock N Flying at 59 years old and one year in maintenance at 147 pounds

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I couldn't have made it this far without the love and inspiration of my #1 supporter...my sister MARVELMO who, at 61 years old, is down over 125 pounds (since starting in August 2012) and will be riding the "Maintain Train" with me before the year is out. I also draw so much inspiration and strength from the heros of MFP (especially my fellow Menopausal Goddesses) who share their stories of struggles and triumphs and NEVER give up.

My 2nd year of maintenance will be highlighted by my plan to run the Disney World Full Marathon during my 60th Birthday month (January 2015), which is the subject of my blog; and then entering into my 3rd year of maintenance by running the Philadelphia Broad Street 10-Mile Run with my sister. So I have lots of incentive to keep fit and "maintain." It's not easy, but it is SO worth it!

No matter what your age or weight, know you deserve, and have within you the ability to create, a happy and healthy lifestyle...best of luck to you all--see ya at the gym!!
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Replies

  • mockchoc
    mockchoc Posts: 6,573 Member
    You look so fit and healthy. Well done!
  • milmomto2
    milmomto2 Posts: 84
    Wow girl you look GREAT! I am 51 years old and had a total hysterectomy 18 months ago sending me into menopause.Here I am now pulling up my "Big" girl pants and getting myself together to make the next half of my life the very best! Thank you for sharing and being an inspiration to me!
  • ros2will3run
    ros2will3run Posts: 104 Member
    You look lovely in all the pictures..but fantastic to be a runner too! Congrats!!
  • craignev
    craignev Posts: 1,247 Member
    That's amazing.....well done you! :smile:
  • mishka45
    mishka45 Posts: 26 Member
    Amazing...Well Done!!! :smile:
  • debraran1
    debraran1 Posts: 521 Member
    Great job!. I know when I gained after menopause my doctor said, "You need to cut calories, you need to move more and the fact you don't need as many calories is just a fact" So bottom line, deal with it. : ) I finally did.
    I can't run well anymore but I plan on walk/jogging this Spring and maybe I can do another 5K if I am consistent. You are very inspiring. Keep up the good work!
  • wquartly
    wquartly Posts: 2
    You look fab and what an inspiration, you and your family must be very proud of you xx:drinker:
  • PatsyFitzpatrick
    PatsyFitzpatrick Posts: 335 Member
    Awesome!! Enjoy
  • 3laine75
    3laine75 Posts: 3,069 Member
    Amazing work!! Well done maintaining and good luck with the marathon :)
  • CarineCNM
    CarineCNM Posts: 19 Member
    You are a great inspiration!
  • grandmothercharlie
    grandmothercharlie Posts: 1,356 Member
    Looking good!
  • angel5561
    angel5561 Posts: 142 Member
    Wow! You look amazing you definitely rock! And you inspire me to stay fit at any stage of my life :) thanks for sharing
  • juliecnw
    juliecnw Posts: 16 Member
    This is so inspirational. I am 47 and heading into menopause and this gives me hope that I can meet my goals.
  • dlbredesen
    dlbredesen Posts: 122 Member
    Doing the happy dance for you!!
  • lporter229
    lporter229 Posts: 4,907 Member
    Simply amazing. Your story has made my day.
  • mtapia713
    mtapia713 Posts: 29 Member
    You are awesome!!!!!
  • MadDogManor
    MadDogManor Posts: 1,530 Member
    Awesome! You're such an inspiration for me - "I want that" !!
  • marvelmo
    marvelmo Posts: 119 Member
    Here'to another year of health, joy and most of all MAGIC! Mickey & friends will see you real soon
    All aboard!
  • CJ_Holmes
    CJ_Holmes Posts: 759 Member
    You ROCK! You're such an inspiration! I want to be as active, fit, ambitious, and adorable as you are when I grow up!
  • aNewYear123
    aNewYear123 Posts: 279 Member
    Big congrats! You are very inspirational.
  • SuperFry
    SuperFry Posts: 3 Member
    Congratulations! You are a beautiful woman and shared so many reminders that I am grateful for as I head back to letting go of some excess weight I've acquired during these colder months in the Midwest. Your story is a true inspiration, God Bless You! Your pictures are phenomenal.
  • Blokeypoo
    Blokeypoo Posts: 274 Member
    You must feel amazing and very proud.

    I'm 47 and 14mths into maintenance, love the story and the pics.

    I'm a massive believer in "use it or lose it" and seeing my older patients who are still fit just underlines that. Of the (age 75-95) 45 pts on my current study, the ones who are happiest and doing well are those who eat well and still cook for themselves and who keep active and busy. There is a lesson there for us all.
  • bg192905
    bg192905 Posts: 68 Member
    I agree! You Rock! Congrats on your success! It is simply inspiring!
  • Laura3BB
    Laura3BB Posts: 250 Member
    wow - fantastic! go go go!
  • SKME2013
    SKME2013 Posts: 704 Member
    You rock! Thanks for the inspirational story!
    Stef.
  • msthang444
    msthang444 Posts: 491 Member
    OMG you look so fun! :) That's awesome!
  • msthang444
    msthang444 Posts: 491 Member
    Awesome! You're such an inspiration for me - "I want that" !!

    ^^^ THis
  • VanessaRudden
    VanessaRudden Posts: 198 Member
    Well Done you - Totally fantastic!
  • Linli_Anne
    Linli_Anne Posts: 1,360 Member
    Congratulation and a wonderful way to celebrate by continuing to set goals and reach for the stars.
  • chesnity3
    chesnity3 Posts: 960 Member
    Total inspiration!